ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is planning a support group for the families of patients with psychiatric disorders. The nurse integrates knowledge of which of the following as the primary underlying issue related to stress that the families experience?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stigma associated with the diagnosis. Stigma can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and discrimination for families of patients with psychiatric disorders, causing significant stress. Families may struggle with societal judgment and misconceptions about mental illness, impacting their ability to seek support and cope effectively. Understanding and addressing stigma is crucial in supporting families. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Severity of the patient's symptoms - While the severity of symptoms can be distressing for families, it is not the primary underlying issue related to stress. B: Barriers faced by the patient - Although barriers faced by the patient can contribute to stress, it is not the primary underlying issue experienced by families. D: Risk for relapse - While the risk for relapse can be a concern, it is not necessarily the primary underlying issue related to stress for families of patients with psychiatric disorders.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a group of students about appraisal and the stress response, the instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as part of the primary appraisal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because outcome explanation is not part of primary appraisal. Primary appraisal involves evaluating the significance of an event in relation to one's well-being, focusing on factors such as relevance of the goal, consistency of goal with values, and personal commitment. Outcome explanation, on the other hand, is more related to secondary appraisal where one assesses potential coping strategies and their outcomes. Therefore, outcome explanation does not directly contribute to the initial evaluation of the event's impact on well-being, making it an inaccurate choice for primary appraisal.
Question 3 of 5
After working with a patient who has a history of violent behavior to identify possible clues that suggest that his behavior is escalating, the nurse and patient develop a plan for prevention. Which strategy would they be least likely to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turning up the music loud. This strategy would be least likely to be included because it does not directly address the escalation of violent behavior. Counting to 10 and taking slow deep breaths are both commonly used techniques to help manage anger and prevent escalation. Taking a voluntary time out is also effective in creating a safe space to de-escalate. Turning up the music loud may serve as a distraction, but it does not actively address the underlying issues or help the patient stay in control of their emotions.
Question 4 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A (Dopamine) is the correct answer: 1. Dopamine hypothesis: Excess dopamine activity is linked to schizophrenia symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. 2. Studies show antipsychotic drugs targeting dopamine receptors effectively alleviate these symptoms. 3. Dopamine dysregulation theory: Suggests abnormalities in dopamine transmission contribute to schizophrenia. 4. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA are not directly implicated in hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. The nurse assesses the client's level of anxiety and reactions to stressful situations, obtaining this information for which reason?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To act as a predictor of the client's risk for a suicide attempt. Assessing the client's level of anxiety and reactions to stressful situations is crucial in determining the likelihood of a suicide attempt, as individuals with schizoaffective disorder are at a higher risk for suicide. By understanding the client's anxiety levels and responses to stress, the nurse can intervene early to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because assessing anxiety levels is more focused on immediate risk factors rather than long-term outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because mental competency is typically assessed through other means. Choice D is incorrect as social skills evaluation is not the primary purpose of assessing anxiety levels in this context.